Sequence data from isolated lichen-associated melanized fungi enhance delimitation of two new lineages within Chaetothyriomycetidae

Abstract Lichen thalli provide a long-lived and stable habitat for colonization by wide range of microorganisms. Increased interest in these lichen-associated microbial communities has revealed an impressive diversity fungi, including several novel lineages which still await formal taxonomic recognition. Among these, members the Eurotiomycetes Dothideomycetes usually occur asymptomatically lichen thalli, even if they share ancestry with fungi that may be parasitic on their host. Mycelia isolates are characterized melanized cell walls display exclusively asexual propagation. Their placement requires, therefore, use DNA sequence data. Here, we consider recently published data from characterize formally describe two new, individually monophyletic at family, genus, species levels. The Pleostigmataceae fam. nov. Melanina gen. both comprise rock-inhabiting associate epilithic, crust-forming lichens subalpine habitats. phylogenetic monophyly lack statistical support, but family was resolved as sister to order Verrucariales. This comprises Pleostigma alpinum sp. nov., P. frigidum jungermannicola, lichenophilum genus is supported lineage within Chaetothyriales. To date, this single M. gunde-cimermaniae forms group large Herpotrichiellaceae, Chaetothyriaceae, Cyphellophoraceae, Trichomeriaceae. new analysis subclass Chaetothyiomycetidae provides insight into level delimitation classification ecologically diverse fungi.